Hyperelastic Modelling of Cork-Polyurethane Gel Composites: Non-Linear FEA Implementation in 3D Foot Model

Abstract

The CPGC – Cork-Polyurethane Gel Composite is a material that is mechanically characterized by non-linear elastic behaviour at large deformations. The non-linear behaviour can be modelled by hyperelastic constitutive models based on strain energy functions enabling a structured phenomenological framework for CPGC material modelling. The CPGC is a promising material for human comfort enhancement and dynamic damping/control applications. This paper presents the experimental methodology used for the CPGC evaluation of material parameters used in the hyperelastic models and the finite element model build-up. A 3D foot FEA model is presented in order to evaluate the performance of the hyperelastic model in a real case situation and the mechanical performance of shoe insoles, namely, trough the monitoring of the contact pressure values at the insole/foot interface.